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2025-12-31-accounts

Charity registration number 519110 (England and Wales)

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Canon Dr E D Hunt
Mrs J Dean
A P French
G Barber
Mrs C Peacock Chairman
Mrs C Lightfoot
MJD Lightfoot
M Pounder (Appointed 7 June 2025)
Mrs H Bradshaw (Appointed 7 June 2025)
M Spencer (Appointed 7 June 2025)
GG Sampson
M Sunter (Appointed 7 June 2025)
Charity registration England and Wales 519110
Principal address Friends' Office
The College
Durham
DH1 3EH
Independent examiner RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd
Finchale House
Belmont Business Park
Durham
DH1 1TW

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

CONTENTS

Page
Trustees' report 1 - 3
Independent examiner's report 4
Statement of financial activities 5
Balance sheet 6
Notes to the financial statements 7 - 16

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)".

Objectives and activities

Friends of Durham Cathedral was founded in 1933. It was registered as a Charity, number 519110, on 24 July 1987. Its Governing Constitution, adopted by members at the Annual General Meeting held on 6 June 1987, was revised at the Annual General Meeting held on 1 June 1991, with a further minor revision that was approved at the Annual General Meeting held on 1 June 2019. The objects of the charity currently are:

As the 1991 revision of the Constitution envisaged, the greatest part of the incoming resources of the charity is generated by membership subscriptions, donations, bequests and grants from other charitable organisations. Other income results from concerts and other social occasions, and from the sale of goods.

In view of the objects of the charity its Trustees work closely with the Chapter of Durham Cathedral, and the grants proposed to an Annual General Meeting are for projects which feature in Chapter's strategic plans and which have been commended to the Trustees.

Public benefit

The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charity should undertake.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

From time to time we enjoy the support of generous legacies and 2025 has benefited from a significant upturn in such receipts. Contributions from other sources remain broadly at similar levels to previous years and continue to demonstrate thriving Friends activity.

Financial review

At present, our reserves are well positioned to more than fully cover commitment to approved grants and enable future support to the Cathedral.

Reserves policy

It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughout the year.

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Major risks

The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error.

It is the opinion of the trustees that for the financial year ended 31 December 2022 the charity has achieved objectives.

Plans for future periods

We are continuing to liaise with the Cathedral Development team to generate an increased public awareness for the Cathedral and possible involvement which we are hoping will increase our membership and we are already seeing signs of progress. Events and excursions are held throughout the year which prove very popular with members and new ideas for these functions are continually being sought.

Our grateful thanks must, once again, be given to the unstinting support received by our many volunteers without whom, we would not have the undoubted success these events have had.

Structure, governance and management

Under the revision of its Constitution in June 1991 and reconfirmed at the revision in June 2019 it was determined that Friends of Durham Cathedral should be administered and managed by an Executive Council, and that the Council should consist of:

It was also agreed that to further its objectives the Council should establish such sub-committees as were felt necessary. Currently there is a Fund Raising Committee and a Programme and Public Relations Committee.

This structure serves to ensure the continued vitality of the charity, for the members of its sub-committees are drawn from those attending events and social occasions as well as from members of its Executive Council, and are the usual recruiting ground when vacancies occur on the executive Council. Thus those recruited as Trustees already have some experience of the objects and activities of the charity.

The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were: Canon Dr E D Hunt

Mrs J Dean G F Summerbell (Deceased 2 March 2025) A P French G Barber Mrs M Potter (Resigned 7 June 2025) Mrs C Peacock Chairman Mrs C Lightfoot MJD Lightfoot M Pounder (Appointed 7 June 2025) Mrs H Bradshaw (Appointed 7 June 2025) M Spencer (Appointed 7 June 2025) GG Sampson Revd Cannon M Everitt (Resigned 4 July 2025) M Sunter (Appointed 7 June 2025)

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

TRUSTEES' REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Recruitment and appointment of trustees

The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs C Peacock Chairman

Trustee

6 June 2026

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Friends of Durham Cathedral (the charity) for the year ended 31 December 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Since the charity’s gross income exceeded £250,000, the independent examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales, which is one of the listed bodies.

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the financial statements to be reached.

RMT Accountants & Business Advisors Ltd David Holloway FCA DChA Finchale House Belmont Business Park Durham DH1 1TW

Date: ............................

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

Unrestricted Endowment
funds
funds
2025
2025
Notes
£
£
Income from:
Donations and legacies
3
247,852
-
Other trading activities
4
15,130
-
Investments
5
19,844
-
Total income
282,826
-
Expenditure on:
Raising funds
6
3,440
-
Charitable activities
7
161,338
-
Total expenditure
164,778
-
Net gains/(losses) on
investments
39,839
(4,718)
Net income/(expenditure) and
movement in funds
157,887
(4,718)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 January
2025
713,356
106,429
Fund balances at 31
December 2025
871,243
101,711
Total
Unrestricted Endowment
funds
funds
2025
2024
2024
£
£
£
247,852
75,490
-
15,130
24,973
-
19,844
27,701
-
282,826
128,164
-
3,440
22,682
-
161,338
156,684
-
164,778
179,366
-
35,121
13,387
12,397
153,169
(37,815)
12,397
819,785
751,171
94,032
972,954
713,356
106,429
Total
2024
£
75,490
24,973
27,701
128,164
22,682
156,684
179,366
25,784
(25,418)
845,203
819,785

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 DECEMBER 2025

Notes
Fixed assets
Tangible assets
13
Investments
14
Current assets
Stocks
15
Debtors
16
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within
one year
17
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
The funds of the charity
Endowment funds
18
Unrestricted funds
19
2025
£
921
34,512
635,052
670,485
(2,321)
£
1,250
303,540
304,790
668,164
972,954
101,711
871,243
972,954
2024
£
1,007
27,251
531,799
560,057
(9,942)
£
1,250
268,420
269,670
550,115
819,785
106,429
713,356
819,785

The financial statements were approved by the trustees on 6 June 2026

Mrs C Peacock Chairman Trustee

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Friends of Durham Cathedral was founded in 1933. It was registered as a Charity on 24 July 1987. Its Governing Constitution, adopted by members at the Annual General Meeting held on 6 June 1987, was revised at the Annual General Meeting held on 1 June 1991, with a further minor revision that was approved at the Annual General Meeting held on 1 June 2019. Its registered office can be viewed within legal and administrative information.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102 (effective 1 January 2019).

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised as income when the charity has control over the item, any conditions associated with the donated item have been met, the receipt of economic benefit from the use by the charity of the item is probable and that economic benefit can be measured reliably. In accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102), the general volunteer time is not recognised and refer to the trustees' annual report for more information about their contribution.

On receipt, donated professional services and donated facilities are recognised on the basis of the value of the gift to the charity which is the amount the charity would have been willing to pay to obtain services or facilities of equivalent economic benefit on the open market; a corresponding amount is then recognised in expenditure the period of receipt.

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Plant and equipment 15% reducing balance Computers 3 years on cost Heritage assets Not depreciated

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Fixed asset investments

Fixed asset investments are initially measured at transaction price excluding transaction costs, and are subsequently measured at fair value at each reporting date. Changes in fair value are recognised in net income/(expenditure) for the year. Transaction costs are expensed as incurred.

1.8 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.9 Stocks

Stocks are stated at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell. Cost comprises direct materials and, where applicable, direct labour costs and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the stocks to their present location and condition. Items held for distribution at no or nominal consideration are measured the lower of replacement cost and cost.

Net realisable value is the estimated selling price less all estimated costs of completion and costs to be incurred in marketing, selling and distribution.

1.10 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.11 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the charity’s accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Donations and gifts 10,860 18,756
Legacies 204,441 19,445
Grants 4,500 4,500
Membership fees 27,201 32,014
Donated goods and services 850 775
247,852 75,490
Donations and gifts
Donations - 7,174
Tax recoverable - 11,582
Other 10,860 -
10,860 18,756
Grants
The Sir John Priestman Charity Trust 4,500 4,500
4,500 4,500

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

4 Income from other trading activities

Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising events 8,726 20,792
Trading income 6,404 4,181
Other trading activities 15,130 24,973
5 Income from investments
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Investment income 19,844 27,701
6 Expenditure on raising funds
Unrestricted Unrestricted
funds funds
2025 2024
£ £
Fundraising and publicity
Staging fundraising events 2,764 21,492
Trading costs
Purchases 676 1,190
Total costs 3,440 22,682

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

7 Expenditure on charitable activities

Grants to Grants to
Durham Durham
Cathedral Cathedral
2025 2024
£ £
Direct costs
Website costs 502 1,200
Postage and stationery 5,719 9,421
Donations - 100
Contribution to salary 12,092 31,694
18,313 42,415
Grant funding of activities 135,370 108,045
Share of support and governance costs (see note 8)
Support 7,655 6,224
161,338 156,684
Analysis by fund
Unrestricted funds 161,338 156,684
8 Support costs allocated to activities
2025 2024
£ £
Insurance 354 341
Bank charges 344 951
Software licences 4,547 3,227
Governance costs 2,410 1,705
7,655 6,224
Analysed between:
Grants to Durham Cathedral 7,655 6,224
2025 2024
Governance costs comprise: £ £
Independent examination fees 1,870 1,705
Legal and professional 540 -
2,410 1,705

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

9 Net movement in funds 2025 2024
£ £
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
statements 1,870 1,705

10 Trustees

None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any expenses, remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

2025 2024
Number Number
Total - -

12 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

13 Tangible fixed assets

Plant and
equipment
Computers
Heritage
assets
£
£
£
Cost
At 1 January 2025
18,339
945
1,250
At 31 December 2025
18,339
945
1,250
Depreciation and impairment
At 1 January 2025
18,339
945
-
At 31 December 2025
18,339
945
-
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
-
-
1,250
At 31 December 2024
-
-
1,250
Total
£
20,534
20,534
19,284
19,284
1,250
1,250

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

14
Fixed asset investments
Cost or valuation
At 1 January 2025
Valuation changes
At 31 December 2025
Carrying amount
At 31 December 2025
At 31 December 2024
15
Stocks
Finished goods and goods for resale
16
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year:
Other debtors
17
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Other creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Listed
investments
£
268,420
35,120
303,540
303,540
268,420
2025
2024
£
£
921
1,007
2025
2024
£
£
34,512
27,251
2025
2024
£
£
1,301
9,012
1,020
930
2,321
9,942

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

18 Endowment funds

Endowment funds represent assets which must be held permanently by the charity. Income arising on the endowment funds can be used in accordance with the objects of the charity and is included as unrestricted income. Any capital gains or losses arising on the assets form part of the fund.

At 1
Permanent endowments
The Late Major Lisle Pattison and the Late Mrs Dorothy
Pattison
The Late Mrs Phyllis Mary Richardson
Previous year:
At 1
Permanent endowments
The Late Major Lisle Pattison and the Late Mrs Dorothy
Pattison
The Late Mrs Phyllis Mary Richardson
January
2025
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2025
£
£
£
14,370
2,490
16,860
92,059
(7,208)
84,851
106,429
(4,718)
101,711
January
2024
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
80,028
12,031
92,059
14,004
366
14,370
94,032
12,397
106,429

19 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1
General funds
Previous year:
At 1
General funds
January
2025
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2025
£
£
£
£
£
713,356
282,826
(164,778)
39,839
871,243
January
2024
Incoming
resources
Resources
expended
Gains and
losses
At 31
December
2024
£
£
£
£
£
751,171
128,164
(179,366)
13,387
713,356

FRIENDS OF DURHAM CATHEDRAL

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 DECEMBER 2025

20 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2025
2025
£
£
At 31 December 2025:
Tangible assets
1,250
-
Investments
201,829
101,711
Current assets/(liabilities)
668,164
-
871,243
101,711
Unrestricted
Endowment
funds
funds
2024
2024
£
£
At 31 December 2024:
Tangible assets
1,250
-
Investments
161,991
106,429
Current assets/(liabilities)
550,115
-
713,356
106,429
Total
2025
£
1,250
303,540
668,164
972,954
Total
2024
£
1,250
268,420
550,115
819,785

21 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).